91%
Magic circle law firm Linklaters has posted its autumn 2019 retention score, revealing 49 out of its 54 soon-to-be associates were staying put post-qualification. This hands the firm, which received four resignations, a retention result of 91%.
“We are pleased once again to retain a high number of quality lawyers from our September qualifiers,” Richard Hodgson, trainee development partner at Linklaters, said. “Attracting, developing and retaining the best people is crucial to the success of our business and we look forward to seeing their careers progress at our globally minded firm.”
The firm, which offers roughly 100 training contracts each year, more than any other City outfit, posted a spring 2019 score of 80% (41 out of 51) and an autumn 2018 result of 73% (43 out of 59).
Legal Cheek‘s Firms Most List shows newly qualified (NQ) solicitors at Linklaters’ London HQ will start on a recently improved salary of £100,000 — a six-figure sum which includes a discretionary performance bonus. Trainees earn £47,000 in their first year, rising to £52,500 in their second year.
Turning to the rest of the magic circle, Clifford Chance retained 41 of its 47 qualifying trainees or 87%, while Slaughter and May posted an impressive 93% result (37 out of 40). Allen & Overy and Freshfields are yet to reveal their autumn scores.